Joshua Bennett-Johnson continues his teenage DEA informant story. In Part II, secrecy, controlled buys, and a friend’s warning deepen his fear as the work continues past when he expected it to end.

For years, Symon Cope appeared to function while his life narrowed around alcohol. The Descent follows addiction and homelessness, shame, and the difficult recognition that he needed help. Part I comes before next week’s account of rebuilding.

Lauren Flynn found a comedy workshop, changed her surroundings, and began putting down roots. Her personal recovery journey explores the choices that helped her build stability, while making clear that she is sharing her own experience.